Parachute Payment

Following his terrific leap for charity on Wednesday, Owls boss Brian Laws is close to making his target for donations.

The official SWFC site tells us he's £215 short of a fantastic £5000 collected in support of the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity's £250,000 medical research campaign. The closing date for your pledges is September 9th: I reckon Brian will make his target. Go here to donate.

On completing the jump, Laws told www.swfc.co.uk: 'I'm shaking, absolutely shaking, but it's an exhilarating feeling. It was such a fantastic feeling when I was shoved out of the plane, very scary but then it got very calm.

'It wasn't as exhilarating as beating Sheffield United, that was unique, but now I've got my backside on the ground, I can tell you it feels fantastic.'

Laws added: 'Daniel Grice, who suffers from leukaemia, was the boy who inspired me to do the parachute jump in the first place and his dad, Dave, also did the jump, so it's more about them and Sheffield Children's Hospital.'

In other Owls news:

Young Owls defender Liam McMenamin has made Northern Ireland's Under-20s squad for the Milk Cup tournament, with matches against the USA and Belgium towards the end of July.

Former Owls loan player Chris Eagles looks set to join Burnley in search of regular football. The Clarets may have to break their transfer record to beat other clubs to the Manchester United man's signature.

Falkirk gaffer John Hughes believes ex-Owl Burton O'Brien could be pushing for a Scotland squad place if he plays to top form. 'We have signed him up for three years; he is at the right age just now to enjoy his peak years here.' he said.

Midfielder Sean McAllister is up for the challenge of the new season, and ready to compete for his place with new signings James O'Connor and Jimmy Smith. 'It's good for the club to have that competition, and it will make sure I am performing at my best.' he said. McAllister made some vital contributions towards the end of last season and will be looking to make a similar impact this term, on the back of a new two year deal.